Bureaucracy

Nothing angers me more than stupid bureaucratic decisions. When someone makes a decision and then won't budge on that decision because "that's the rules."

No That IS NOT the RULES.

That is YOUR rules. Which may I add make no sense whatsoever.

Please excuse me for questioning Authority. Please forgive me for actually giving a damn.

I understand there are rules that MUST be adhered to. But for EVERY rule there is an EXCEPTION!!

I get it!! Without rules and regulations there would be chaos. But this is not about chaos.

DAMN it!!!

These choices affect peoples lives! This isn't just about extra paperwork it is about a

human being!

Sometimes you just got to say, "It is for the Goat."


AAARRRGGGGG!!!

Oh one more note... FIRE THE TREASONOUS BASTARD KARL ROVE-PUT HIS ASS ON TRIAL & PLEASE CONVICT HIM & THROW AWAY THE KEY!!!!

House Plans

In 2002 Kurt & I bought our very first house. With god's grace and a great friend we were able to make the dream of home ownership come true.

We LOVE our home. It is EXACTLY what we wanted. Regardless of others opinions, we really are happy there. There are plenty of upgrades to be made but I think that is part of the charm. We are committed to this house for at least the next ten years.

Plans: We have lots of plans. But we vacillate over which project to undertake first. So I thought I would put a list together with my reasons and get feed back from first and foremost Kurt and then friends and family. (family being Karen)

Ok # 1 priority is the Electricity. The wiring hasn't been redone since the house was built in 1930. I think. I do know it wasn't designed for the consumer of 2005.

# 2. I want to completely remodel and finish the basement. Add a kitchenette and another bathroom. We originally discussed doing the garage W/ a studio on top, but after thinking it through I think finishing the basement with easy egress is of major importance. If my dad should suffer a stroke or some other ailment getting access to him would be REALLY difficult. Also, we need another toilet!!

# 3 The plumbing. Currently, I believe, we have galvanized pipes. Need I say more?

# 4 Central heat. Baseboards are just WAY too expensive and very inefficient.

# 5 The upstairs bathroom. It just is icky

# 6 The kitchen. Currently is is very utilitarian. Quite functional but quite ugly. Needs a whole new look and new design.

# The Fence. It will last a few more years. We can get by.

So those are MY priorities. Any comments are welcome.

(be kind Karen. my friends read this)

Money

Why is it the more money I make the more I want to spend?

I do not think of myself as materialistic. I do have two car payments, a mortgage, utilities, and of course dogs. But quite honestly, if I actually practiced my budget I would have extra money every month. Yet I am still not caught up to where we want to be.

Sireina and I discussed this topic yesterday. Why do we live in a poverty mentality? We earn decent money. We are not poor but solidly middle class. Yet we want to spend every last dime.

Well, today is the day I get back on budget and commit to a savings & retirement plan.

I am too old to be living for the moment. I have to realize I will always have an income, I will always have the ability to provide for my family and myself and I DO NOT need to eat out daily, buy inconsequential crap, and that a new comforter is NOT going to change my world, make me any happier or provide economic security. My house is great and when I have SAVED the money to do the repairs or upgrades I want then & only then will I make them.

I am sorry Kurt that I have been fiscally irresponsible. But I promise from today forward I will live within our means. We will put a budget down on paper and then live it!

Oh... this is going to be painful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!